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Minimum Wage Debate Not Yet Over in Nebraska Legislature

minimum-wageLINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Despite resounding voter support last year to increase the minimum wage, Nebraska lawmakers could find themselves debating the issue yet again.

A legislative committee on Monday will review two new minimum wage bills. One would boost the wage for restaurant workers who rely on tips, while the other would let employers pay the state’s old $7.25-an-hour wage to high school students in entry-level jobs.

The debate follows last year’s campaign victory for the statewide ballot measure that boosted Nebraska’s minimum wage from $7.25 to $8 this year. The wage will increase again to $9 in 2016.

Sen. Jeremy Nordquist of Omaha, a leader in last year’s ballot campaign, says the election shows clear public support for such measures, which lawmakers should heed.

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